Universal Music India, a division of Universal Music Group, and independent music company first.wav have announced a global distribution partnership aimed at expanding the reach of Indian independent artists and music worldwide.
Under the exclusive agreement, Universal Music India will distribute music from first.wav’s roster of artists across global platforms. The collaboration is expected to strengthen first.wav’s ability to support independent Indian musicians through wider global access, enhanced distribution capabilities, and new growth opportunities.
Founded by singer-songwriter and A&R Raghav Meattle, first.wav operates across artist management, music distribution, and marketing. The company has built a growing digital ecosystem that includes a playlist network with over 400,000 followers and social media platforms with a combined following exceeding 300,000.
first.wav has worked with several emerging and established artists including gini, Divyam Sodhi, Bharath, Khwaab, Samad Khan, and actor-musician Kunal Kemmu, helping them grow their audiences over the past few years.
“Independent music in India is at a tipping point,” said Raghav Meattle, Founder of first.wav. “Our goal is to build the environment that allows artists to focus on what they do best – create. Whether it’s through management, marketing, or distribution, we’re creating an ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their journey. This partnership is just the next step towards shaping the future of Indian indie music.”
Sanujeet Bhujabal, MD, Universal Music India and South Asia said, “Artistry is central to the culture of Universal Music India, where we discover, nurture, enable and celebrate the craft of artists across India. We want to make sure that artists from across the spectrum of Indian music have access to the tools and expertise they need to succeed. Partnering with an artist-forward music company like first.wav – with its rich ecosystem that supports artists from across the indie community – is a natural fit.”
As part of its future plans, first.wav is also developing a dedicated music and video studio in Mumbai, aimed at providing artists with production facilities and collaborative creative spaces under one roof.
